Rick Marlar had originally planned to run as an independent, but was asked by the GOP to run as a Republican.

Marlar says getting government spending under control would be one of his top priorities. He says part of that would come from a change in the way politicians raise money. Marlar came out the offensive when asked by KCII News why he would be a better candidate than incumbent Becky Schmitz

He points to a time when Schmitz secured $75,000 for the Fairfield Airport. Marlar says it might not sound like a lot of money, but if elected officials secure money for such projects all over Iowa, it detracts from other, more vital state needs.